Be Happy, Dammit!

 

Photo by Cleyder Duque from Pexels

I don't know where I got this list from, (apologies to the author) but it bears repeating. It's been a tough almost 2 years for all of us, although some people have suffered more. Mere words like "Be Happy!" seem almost like cruel platitudes. 

Nevertheless... I firmly believe (having learned the hard way) you can't get true happiness by depending on others; it has to come from within. Here are 6 precises for a happier life:

1.  Don't let the past haunt you; the mistakes have been made. Learn the lesson and move on. (Just don't forget the mistakes and repeat them!)

2.  No one can make you angry, unhappy, resentful, bitter, etc. unless you let them. (yeah, I struggle with this one too because of all our relationships and interconnectedness, but I try.)

3.  No one controls your life or destiny. It is in your hands. Take and maintain control. (Another tough one because of bonds with others.).

4.  Your future can always be changed. You are not stuck anywhere if you don't want to be. 

5.  You are not dependent upon others for your life; use your brains, talents, ambitions, and soul to find your own path.

6.  Nothing is guaranteed in life- not love, health, success, friendship, or luck.

There are things I do every day to be happy: I write, I collect my strawberries, I work in my garden, I go biking, hiking, and swimming, I laugh with my family, and I take some solitude time to read, care for myself, or just be. Discovering what makes you happy can lead you to many new things.

Happy exploration!

Char

Detour Bumpy Road Ahead

I missed a new post on two Mondays. My beloved Aunt Kay, like a second mother to me, was on life support and we said goodbye. The wake was Monday, the funeral Tuesday, so I'm posting this today.

Sometimes there are detours to your perfect plans. Your life gets sent down an unfamiliar road and it's dark, you don't know what's ahead. But you have to reach your destination so you press on, there's no turning back.

I used the detour: reconnected with family, appreciated what I have now, and will work harder now that it's time to accept what is and that life goes on.

Don't fret over your own detours. Even if they are major ones that force you to put aside or strictly limit your novel revision, keep your novel close both physically and mentally.

Giving up is not an option.

Wishing you all success, motivation, and good edits.

Char

Picture courtesy of Microsoft/Bing